Featured photo by Kane McGuire, Louisiana Tech Associate Athletic Director/Strategic Communications
Louisiana Tech held its second scrimmage of the fall Saturday, and Head Coach Sonny Cumbie was generally pleased with what he saw.
“I think for one the competition between both groups was better,” Cumbie said during an interview posted on Tech’s website following the scrimmage.
Cumbie liked how the offense performed early in the scrimmage in the red zone segment.
“We started the scrimmage fast,” he said. “And I think the defense responded when we went to the driving portion, in terms of making us drive the length of the field.
“I think there was cleaner execution, better ball security. I think defensively we’ve done a really good job throughout the course of fall camp of creating takeaways, whether it’s been creating fumbles or making interceptions. I think from an overall competition standpoint it was a very good back and forth. And for me, that’s what you’re shooting for.”
Louisiana Tech, coming off back-to-back 3-9 seasons, opens the 2024 campaign Saturday, Aug. 31, at 7 p.m. against Nicholls in Joe Aillet Stadium.
Of course, in an intra-squad scrimmage it can be hard to judge progress.
Cumbie said a defensive lineman came up to him before the scrimmage and said the defense was “going to get after you guys.”
“I said, ‘Hey, I’m on your side,’” Cumbie said, “It’s one of those things where it’s offensively, defensively sometimes it’s a no-win situation. You always want to do well on both sides of the ball. But I was most proud with how the guys competed. I think we got out this healthy, which is our No. 1 goal.”
Another goal was to see who among the backups will be ready to play if called on.
“I feel really good about our 1s,” Cumbie said. “And we’ll watch the film and evaluate I guess some of the borderline positions in terms of depth and who’s going to be that next guy in with our 2s and 3s, which we all know there will be a point in time when those guys will be in.”
After more than two full weeks of practice, one position Cumbie is high on is running back.
“I’m really excited about AG — 25 — Amani Givens, Fred Roberson, and also the guys that have been here, Marquis (Crosby), Donerio (Davenport) and Wigs (Omiri Wiggins). So I think that’s a really strong position for us.”
He also likes the way No. 1 quarterback Jack Turner has performed.
“Jack’s had a really good camp,” Cumbie said. “He’s putting the ball where it needs to be in some tight spots. He’s done a nice job of reading, makes plays with his feet, does a good job in the quarterback running game.”
The competition for the No. 2 spot has been close between two redshirt freshmen from Texas — Evan Bullock and Blake Baker.
“Evan and Blake have been back and forth,” Cumbie said. “It’s hard to find separation because they’re both playing really well.”
Defensively, Cumbie said one goal is to develop depth at the cornerback position.
“I think that’s one area in terms of the depth that we’ve got to continue to grow,” he said. “And at linebacker, besides Zach (Zimos), behind Kolbe (Fields), and finding those next guys that go in.”
One area in which the Bulldogs struggled last season was getting to the quarterback. Cumbie believes that will change this season under new Defensive Coordinator Jeremiah Johnson.
“I think the guys are playing at a faster pace, less thinking,” he said. “They’re really able to attack in terms of their assignment. I think we have some guys that can rush the passer.
“I think Jessie Evans is going to be a really good pass rusher. I think Zeke Campbell has the ability to do that. And I think putting them in positions now and some things we’re doing with our front to where they’re playing fast and reacting.
“There’s obviously a scheme and a designed call of where they’re supposed to go. All of the hesitation that’s been created by us as coaches has been taken out and now they’re able to play fast. So I think some of the things we do with our front and our linebackers, changing up the looks for the center and the offensive line are going to allow those guys to pin their ears back and rush the passer at times.”